Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Inner East and parts of Inner, South East, Northern and Outer East Local Warning Areas.

Issued at 2:58 pm Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCING INTENSE RAINFALL OVER THE NORTHERN AND EASTERN SUBURBS OF MELBOURNE.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2:50 pm, VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding were detected near Greensborough and Camberwell. These thunderstorms are moving towards the south to southeast. They are forecast to affect Glen Waverley, Ringwood and Lilydale by 3:05 pm and Dandenong, Belgrave and Berwick by 3:20 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding were detected near Preston and Reservoir. These thunderstorms are moving towards the south to southeast. They are forecast to affect Gembrook, Mill Park and Bundoora by 3:05 pm and the area east of Pakenham and the area northeast of Pakenham by 3:20 pm.

38.4 mm was recorded at Spring Hill in the 1 hour 15 minutes to 2:00 pm.

A separate Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is also current for Central, North Central, West and South Gippsland and parts of Northern Country, North East, Wimmera, East Gippsland, Mallee and South West Forecast Districts. Please check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible.
* Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees.
* Be aware - heat, fire or recent storms may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy or wet.
* Check that loose items, such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Stay indoors and away from windows.
* If outdoors, move to a safe place indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
* Stay away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live.
* Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency website/app/hotline.